{
  "id": 13073018,
  "title": "Government allocates RM3.3b for rural infrastructure, RM2.5b to replace ageing water pipes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/government-allocates-rm3-3b-for-rural-infrastructure-rm2-5b-to-13073018",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-09T08:37:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/09/government-allocates-rm33b-for-rural-infrastructure-rm25b-to-replace-ageing-water-pipes/238433"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Malaysia's latest budget, RM3.3 billion has been set aside for rural infrastructure projects, marking a significant increase from the previous year's RM1.3 billion. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced this allocation during his Budget speech today. The funds will be used for various improvements in rural areas, including the installation of village streetlights, community facilities, and the provision of clean water and electricity supply.\n\nTenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is spearheading efforts to install solar-powered streetlights in villages, as well as rooftop solar panels at welfare homes and places of worship. Beyond these initiatives, the electricity supply is set to be enhanced at tahfiz schools, pondok religious schools, and Orang Asli settlements.\n\nFurthermore, the Madani administration has successfully negotiated a 40-year Bulk Water Supply Agreement between the Perak and Penang state governments, ensuring improved access to clean water nationwide. To achieve this goal, RM2.5 billion has been allocated to the National Non-Revenue Water (NRW) programme. The primary focus of this programme is to replace 1,900 kilometers of ageing and critical water pipes.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 — The allocation for rural road projects will be increased to RM2.3 billion, compared to RM1.3...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "3News",
        "title": "Local Government Committee Chair urges RCCs to replace dilapidated buildings",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/local-government-committee-chair-urges-rccs-to-replace-dilapidated",
        "published": "2026-10-09T06:09:33.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Government allocates RM3.3b for rural infrastructure, RM2.5b to replace ageing water pipes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/government-allocates-rm3-3b-for-rural-infrastructure-rm2-5b-to",
        "published": "2026-10-09T08:37:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}